Dhaka: The feared election-related violence in Bangladesh has turned deadly. A local leader of Jamaat-e-Islami was killed during clashes with BNP supporters at a political event in Sherpur district, police confirmed. Over 50 people were injured in the incident.
The clash occurred on Wednesday in Jhenaigati Upazila of Sherpur while a political program was underway for candidates to read out their election manifestos. Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami reportedly began arguing over seating arrangements, which quickly escalated into violent confrontation.
The deceased has been identified as Rezaul Karim, General Secretary of the Shribardi Upazila unit of Jamaat-e-Islami. He sustained serious injuries during the clash and later died while being transported to the hospital, according to Sherpur Additional SP Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan.
Jamaat candidate Mohammad Nuruzzaman Badal told local media that Karim had been critically wounded in the violence. Following the incident, the district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest rally in Sherpur. Reports indicate that more than 50 leaders and activists were injured in the clashes.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, stating that over 100 chairs were destroyed and around six motorcycles were set on fire. Rezaul Karim was initially taken to Jhenaigati Upazila Health Center and later transferred to Sherpur District Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead at around 9:35 PM. The hospital police camp in-charge, Mohammad Nazrul Islam, confirmed that the body has been sent for post-mortem.
The incident highlights rising tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, as political rivalries continue to erupt into violence at local levels.
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